Experience with passion

“What got you here, won’t get you there” – a quote from American leadership coach, Marshall Goldsmith, which has become my personal motto. It reminds me of the importance of continuous personal development, and that one size does not fit all.

I’m Steve, Founder of Festoon Event Planning.

I have over 20 years of experience in managing large teams, building strong business relationships, as well as organising and hosting large-scale events. I’ve worked for some well-known corporates during my career including Halifax, Tesco & Next.

I think myself lucky and take a lot from giving back to the community. As well as volunteering for a variety of initiatives, I also work with local charities. In 2017 I undertook a 12 month secondment with The Prince of Wales’ responsible business charity,  ‘Business in the Community’.

Working across Gloucester and Cheltenham, my remit was to bring local businesses and charities together for the good of the wider community. Signature events included a regional mental health seminar at Bristol’s Colston Hall, The Big Lunch and The Big Community Conversation.

Taking the decision to step out of the corporate world has given me a real chance to do something different. And, with my experience in managing large-scale events, my passion for turning visions into reality and being super organised, setting up Festoon Event Planning was the obvious move for me.

Thinking back, I’ve always been organised. Aged just 18 I had the task of planning a post A-level holiday to Tenerife for 8 students. I took charge of the whole process, and we didn’t have the convenience of the internet back then. It was all phone calls (on a land line), and trips to the travel agent. Things are much faster paced now and the only limit in this digital age is our imagination.